For the next three years, the movements of Matthew David Nugent of Church Street will be strictly monitored as he serves a conditional sentence of two years less a day, followed by a one-year probation period.

He is also banned from possessing firearms for 10 years and must also submit a DNA sample to the national registry. He will also perform 60 hours of community service.

Conditional sentences allow an offender to serve their time in the community under strict conditions. Any breach of such a sentence could land the offender behind bars to complete the remainder of the sentence.

Special federal prosecutor Christa MacKinnon told the court that Nugent was nabbed by Cape Breton Regional Police in September 2012 after they received information he was selling cocaine. He was found in possession of 13.8 grams of the drug.

MacKinnon said while there is no evidence that Nugent was a user or addicted to the drug, she did note the problems cocaine has caused in the community.

She said cocaine is a hard and serious drug that has caused a great deal of stress and hardship and recommended a federal jail sentence of two years.

Defence lawyer Cheryl Morrison noted her client has no prior criminal record and maintains strong family support. She said he has achieved success in his academic studies and plans to continue to pursue a university degree.

She said the motivation to sell drugs stemmed from the lure of quick profit. For the past 15 months, said Morrison, her client has been under a series of release conditions and no breaches have been recorded.

On the night he was caught by police, Nugent told investigators it was his last time to sell cocaine and that during his short time as a dealer, he earned about $1,200 which he used to help pay for college.

Nugent himself told the court he has eliminated problem friends from his life and is now concentrating on his future. Morrison recommended a conditional sentence.

In deciding on a sentence, provincial court Judge David Ryan noted that a conditional sentence is not a gift.

"Just ask anyone who gets stuck at home. They can't go anywhere, they can't do anything," he said.

In passing sentence, Ryan ordered that for the first 14 months of the sentence, Nugent is bound by a 24/7 curfew with exceptions for medical and legal appointments along with education and employment commitments. He is to take all counselling as recommended and is to refrain from alcohol and all drugs not prescribed him by a physician.

During the last 10 months of the sentence, he is to fall under an 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew.

"I hope you never see the inside of courtroom for the rest of your life," said Ryan, in concluding his sentencing remarks.